The Losers
[9:70] Have they not learned anything from the previous generations; the people of Noah, ‘Ãd, Thamûd, the people of Abraham, the dwellers of Midyan, and the evildoers (of Sodom and Gomorrah)? Their messengers went to them with clear proofs. GOD never wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.
Lion King – What did you do that for – the past can hurt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZfGTL2PY3E
People have a tendency of wanting to complicate God’s religion.
The Heifer*
[2:67] Moses said to his people, “GOD commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Are you mocking us?” He said, “GOD forbid, that I should behave like the ignorant ones.” Footnote [2:68] They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us which one.” He said, “He says that she is a heifer that is neither too old, nor too young; of an intermediate age. Now, carry out what you are commanded to do.” [2:69] They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us her color.” He said, “He says that she is a yellow heifer, bright colored, pleases the beholders.” [2:70] They said, “Call upon your Lord to show us which one. The heifers look alike to us and, GOD willing, we will be guided.” [2:71] He said, “He says that she is a heifer that was never humiliated in plowing the land or watering the crops; free from any blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance.
Joseph Tainter: The Collapse of Complex Civilizations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzuviYRse3E
3Q Joseph Tainter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co858wJdD7Q